Predictors Of Physical Activity Behavior Research Articles

Investigating the predictors of physical activity behavior among female college students in Saudi Arabia using the theory of planned behavior

Background and Study Aim. Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, particularly among female college students in Saudi Arabia. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) suggests that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are important predictors of behavioral intentions and behaviors. The aim of this study was to examine the role of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in predicting physical activity intentions among female university students in Saudi Arabia, using the theory of planned behavior as a framework. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 758 female college students from the University of Hafr Al Batin in Saudi Arabia. The measurement tool consisted of Godin-Shephard questions on leisure-time physical activity and theory-planned behavior questionnaires. Results. The study found that perceived behavioral control and attitude were significant predictors of physical activity intentions among female college students. However, subjective norms did not have a significant impact on the predictor variable. Furthermore, there was a statistical effect to predict involvement in physical activity from physical activity intention among female college students.. Conclusions. The study's findings suggest that the theory of planned behavior is a useful framework for understanding and interpreting physical activity intentions among female college students in Saudi Arabia. Interventions that aim to increase perceived behavioral control and positive attitudes towards physical activity may be effective in promoting physical activity among this population.

The role of worry in exercise and physical activity behavior of people with multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study is a secondary analysis of data from a mixed methods exploration of fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. During initial analysis, worry emerged during discussions of the fatigue experience. The purpose of this study is to explore worry in relationship to exercise and physical activity behavior. Methods: Mixed methods were used to address the research question. 55 people with MS provided demographic and survey data (habitual physical activity, body perception, functioning). 35 participated in semi-structured interviews on the topics of fatigue, body sensations, emotions, and their effects on physical activity. Qualitative data were analyzed utilizing constructivist grounded theory. Quantitative data were analyzed utilizing multiple regression. Results: Qualitative theory described participants’ thoughts and experiences regarding the consequences of fatigue during activity, and how they appear to influence subsequent actions. Worry played a critical role in thought processes regarding physical activity. Aspects of body perception were weak quantitative predictors of physical activity behavior after control of physical functionality. Conclusions: The most significant finding of this study was the description and dialogue about worry as a factor that shapes perceptions of the benefits and value of exercise and physical activity. Physical activity practitioners could benefit from seeking to understand physical-activity-related worry when examining physical activity behavior and designing programming.

Activity-induced pain as a predictor of physical activity behavior among individuals with chronic pain: the role of physical activity enjoyment.

Nearly 70% of adults with chronic pain experience increased pain during activity, and this may reduce enjoyment of physical activity (PA), and subsequent PA intention/behavior. The goal of this study was to examine increased pain during activity as a predictor of PA, via its effects on PA enjoyment. Participants included 178 overweight/obese midlife adults with chronic pain who completed an online prospective survey. Results indicated that greater increases in pain during activity were associated with less PA enjoyment, and, in turn, lower intention to exercise over the next week (p < 0.05). Activity-induced pain also predicted lower total volume of PA at 1-week follow-up, and this relationship was mediated by PA enjoyment (p < 0.05). These findings have the potential to inform the refinement of PA promotion interventions for individuals with chronic pain.

Testing the Physical Activity Self-Definition Model among low-active adults participating in a physical activity intervention

Seeing oneself as a physically active person is one of the strongest predictors of physical activity behaviour and self-regulatory strategies. Determining whether and how physical activity self-perceptions can be stimulated may help low-active individuals who do not see themselves as a physically active person become more active. Cross-sectional research has tested the Physical Activity Self-Definition (PASD) model among active samples; longitudinal studies among low-active adults have yet to be done. The purpose of this study was to test the predictive power of the PASD model among low-active adults over a 16-week physical activity intervention. Participants completed surveys of validated questionnaires in-person at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 16-weeks (end of intervention) at one of two primary care facilities. The final sample included 119 low-active adults. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling indicated that the original model had small-medium predictive power (Q2 = 0.22; SRMR = 0.13 [0.05, 0.07]; RMSE = 1.13; MAE = 0.9; BIC = 1348.40). Two paths were added in the revised model (perceived wanting—PASD; perceived ability—perceived commitment), which explained an additional 4% and 5% of the variance in perceived commitment (R2 = 0.62 [0.48, 0.72]) and PASD (R2 = 0.74 [0.64, 0.80]; all p’s < 0.001), respectively. The revised model had medium predictive power (Q2 = 0.25; SRMR = 0.11 [0.05, 0.06]; RMSE = 1.1; MAE = 0.87; BIC = 1332.84) All path coefficients remained positive and significant at p ≤ .001. Among low-active adults, perceived wanting and perceived ability may be more salient when engaging in physical activity and regarding themselves as a physically active person. Findings may support practitioners and health care professionals in designing physical activity interventions to foster PASD among low-active adult populations.

Physical Activity Behaviour in 50- to 74-Year-Olds: Differences between Employed and Retired Individuals

(1) Objectives: The study aimed to examine data from Malta’s Health Interview Survey (HIS) to assess differences between persons in employment and those retired, across different time periods. (2) Methods: A repeat cross-sectional design was adopted. Data that were collected over a period of 12 years included three cross-sectional HIS waves (2002, 2008 and 2014). Data were analysed cross-sectionally and longitudinally using multilevel analysis. (3) Results: In total, 4690 participants between the ages of 50 and 74 years provided data on physical activity (PA). A statistical difference was found between those employed and retired, with the latter undertaking less PA MET min per week in 2002 and 2008. There was no difference in 2014. When adjusting for covariates, people in employment carried out less PA MET min per week (OR-0.16–−0.02) compared to retired individuals. Using multilevel modelling, this study shows that individual factors such BMI and long-standing illness are predictors of PA behaviour as opposed to time trends. (4) Conclusion: Retirement can increase PA measured in MET minutes per week. Individual factors such as BMI, long-standing health problems and self-rated health could be causing the higher levels seen in the employed population during the studied period.

Physical activity automaticity, intention, and trait self-control as predictors of physical activity behavior – a dual-process perspective

ABSTRACT Dual-process theories assume that physical activity (PA) behavior is regulated by two different processes: impulsive (i.e., automatic, fast) and reflective (i.e., effortful, slow) processes. In this study we examined main effects as well as the interaction of reflective (intention and trait self-control)and impulsive (automaticity)processes on PA behavior. A prospective study with two points of measurement (N = 118 university students) was conducted. At t1, age, sex, past PA behavior (control variables), PA intention, automaticity and trait self-control (predictors) were assessed with standardized questionnaires. At t2 (4 weeks later), PA behavior (dependent variable) was measured with a standardized questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that automaticity was associated with PA behavior. The expected interaction effects Intention x Trait Self-control and Automaticity x Intention x Trait self-control on PA were significant. Moderation analyses revealed that PA intention has a significant positive association with PA behavior when trait self-control was higher compared to lower. Furthermore, automaticity has the strongest association with behavior when both intention and trait self-control where lower compared to higher. Our results underline the additive and interactive effects of impulsive and reflective processes in regulating PA behavior.

Predictors of physical activity among rural adults following cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation aims to reduce the likelihood of recurrent cardiac events through physical activity (PA) and education. There is limited understanding about the predictors of physical activity behavior in rural adults beyond rehabilitation. This study explored predictors of regular physical activity in rural adults, 6-12 months post cardiac rehabilitation. Research Method/Design: A self-report questionnaire (quantitative cross-sectional design) was mailed to a simple random sample of rural South Australians who previously participated in cardiac rehabilitation (n = 315). Regression modeling was adjusted for physical activity history and gender to examine psychological, social, and environmental predictors of (a) current leisure-time physical activity, self-reported through the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire expressed as the Leisure Score Index (LSI) and the weekly frequency of physical activity bouts that cause sweating ("sweat frequency"), and (b) stage of physical activity behavior change according to the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change ("Stage of PA change"). All measures of self-efficacy (barriers, task, and relapse), social assimilation, and self-regulation predicted LSI, whereas all measures of self-efficacy and self-regulation predicted both "Stage of PA change" and "sweat frequency." Self-regulation explained the highest percentage of explained variance in LSI (31.6%) and "sweat frequency" (12.5%). Home social support additionally predicted "Stage of PA change"; there were no environmental predictors of any of the outcome measures. Similar to urban populations, the predictors of post-cardiac-rehab physical activity among rural adults predominantly emanate from the psychological domain. Findings support the need to strengthen the focus of cardiac rehabilitation program design on self-management skills and behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Daily meaning salience and physical activity in previously inactive exercise initiates.

Individuals living with more experienced meaning, or meaning salience, may be more likely to engage in health behaviors including physical activity. This study examined daily meaning salience and physical activity in previously inactive exercise initiates. Inactive adults (N = 80, 78% female, Mage = 43 years, SD = 11 years) intending to increase physical activity participated in a daily diary study. At baseline, participants completed self-report questionnaires of demographics, global meaning and purpose, depressive symptoms, and motivation. Fitness center attendance was extracted from the member database. Participants self-reported meaning salience, positive mood, negative mood, and physical activity (duration in minutes; intensity in ratings of perceived exertion) daily for the first 28 days. Multilevel and multiple regression analyses were used. Multilevel models revealed that controlling for demographics, mood, and motivation, for every standard deviation increase in meaning salience, participants were 44% more likely to visit the fitness center, odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% CI [1.24,1.68], p < .001. Further, increases in meaning salience above average were positively related to physical activity duration, β = .19, p < .001, and intensity, β = .13, p < .001. Global meaning and purpose were not significantly related to physical activity duration, physical activity intensity, or fitness center visits over the 28 days. Results suggest that increased meaning salience, but not global meaning or purpose, is associated with physical activity participation in previously inactive exercise initiates, and may be a proximal predictor of physical activity behavior. Future research should use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) designs to examine the relationship within days and over longer intervals. (PsycINFO Database Record

Self-Regulatory Strategies as Correlates of Physical Activity Behavior in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

ObjectiveTo examine self-regulation strategies as correlates of physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). DesignCross-sectional, or survey, study. SettingUniversity-based research laboratory. ParticipantsConvenience sample of persons with MS (N=68). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresExercise Self-Efficacy Scale (EXSE), 12-item Physical Activity Self-Regulation Scale (PASR-12), and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). ResultsCorrelation analyses indicated that GLTEQ scores were positively and significantly associated with overall self-regulation (r=.43), self-monitoring (r=.45), goal-setting (r=.27), reinforcement (r=.30), time management (r=.41), and relapse prevention (r=.53) PASR-12 scores. Regression analyses indicated that relapse prevention (B=5.01; SE B=1.74; β=.51) and self-monitoring (B=3.65; SE B=1.71; β=.33) were unique predictors of physical activity behavior, and relapse prevention demonstrated a significant association with physical activity behavior that was accounted for by EXSE. ConclusionsOur results indicate that self-regulatory strategies, particularly relapse prevention, may be important correlates of physical activity behavior that can inform the design of future behavioral interventions in MS.

Analyzing Exercise Behaviors during the College Years: Results from Latent Growth Curve Analysis.

The objective of this study is to analyze changes in the predictors of physical activity behavior among college students. The Theory of Planned Behavior served as its theoretical framework. Methods: Among an initial sample of 417 college students, 195 participants completed a validated questionnaire measuring attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control, intentions and self-reported physical activity, at the beginning and end of each of 3 college semesters. Latent growth curve modeling analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the trajectories of changes in PA, intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control. Results: Good fit indices supported the validity of the proposed longitudinal model (CFI > .97, RMSEA < .05). Changes in perceived control (γ = 0.57) were significantly linked with changes in intentions (p < .05). Perceived control (γ = 0.28) and intention growth (γ = 0.36) predicted behavior changes (p < .05). No gender differences were observed on attitudes, subjective norms and perceived control (p > .10). However, girls tend to have higher growth parameters on intentions and physical activity (p < .05). In summary, intentions and physical activity has significantly increased over 3 college semesters (growth parameters significant at p < .05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that attitudes and perceived control are key determinants regarding the intentions of being active. On a longer term perspective, future physical activity interventions should focus on the enhancement of students’ perceived control. Such educational context should help in promoting the adoption of an active lifestyle during college.

The Moderating Role of Physical Self-Perceptions in the Relationship Between Maturity Status and Physical Self-Worth

Purpose: We tested the moderating role of physical self-perceptions in the relationship between physical maturity and physical self-worth (PSW). Method: Students in Grades 5 through 8 (N = 241; 57% females; Mage = 12.30 years) completed a questionnaire assessing physical self-perceptions (i.e., perceived sport competence, conditioning, strength, and body attractiveness), PSW, and maturity status. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to test interactions between maturity and physical self-perceptions predicting PSW separately for boys and girls. Results: For girls, maturity level and physical self-perceptions explained significant variance, F(5, 131) = 73.44, p < .001, R2 = .74, with interactions explaining a little extra variance, ΔF = 3.42, p = .01, ΔR2 = .03. Perceived attractiveness interacted with maturity status to predict PSW (p = .01), indicating that maturity was positively related to PSW only for girls with higher body attractiveness. Maturity status and physical self-perceptions also significantly predicted PSW in boys, F(5, 98) = 46.52, p < .001, R2 = .70, with interactions explaining a little extra variance, ΔF = 3.16, p = .02, ΔR2 = .04. A statistically significant interaction between perceived strength and maturity (p < .001) indicated that maturity related positively to PSW, but only for boys with higher perceived strength. Conclusions: The maturity–PSW relationship differs by gender and depends partly on physical self-perceptions. This finding reinforces previous findings that illustrate the relative importance of perceived attractiveness and strength for girls and boys, respectively. PSW is an important predictor of physical activity behavior; therefore, it is critical to understand the interplay between these key antecedents.

Self-efficacy versus perceived enjoyment as predictors of physical activity behaviour

Objective: Self-efficacy and physical activity (PA) enjoyment are related to PA behaviour, but it is unclear which is more important and how they interrelate. The purpose of this study was to examine how these two constructs interrelate to influence PA behaviour.Design: Participants were low-active adults (n = 448) participating in a RCT examining the effect of a PA promotion intervention. Participants completed physical activity, enjoyment and self-efficacy measures at baseline, six and 12 months.Results: Self-efficacy and enjoyment at both baseline and six months predicted PA at 12 months. However, enjoyment was a stronger predictor than self-efficacy, in that self-efficacy no longer predicted PA behaviour when included alongside enjoyment. In follow-up mediation analyses, enjoyment at six months did not mediate the effect of baseline self-efficacy on 12-month PA; however, six-month self-efficacy mediated the effect of baseline enjoyment on 12-month PA.Conclusion: Our results indicate that interventions should perhaps initially focus on increasing enjoyment of physical activity. Greater PA enjoyment appears to influence individuals’ self-reported ability to engage in regular PA (i.e. higher self-efficacy ratings). Additional research is needed to better understand the interrelationships between self-efficacy and enjoyment and how these constructs affect PA.

Determinants of physical activity based on the theory of planned behavior in Iranian Military Staff's Wives: a path analysis.

Level of physical activity as a key determinant of healthy lifestyle less than is required in individuals particularly women. Applying theories of behavioral change about complex behaviors such as physical activity leads to identify effective factors and their relations. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of physical activity behavior based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in military staff’s wives in Tehran. This cross-sectional study was performed in 180 military personnel’s spouses residing in organizational houses, in Tehran, Iran in 2014. The participants were randomly selected with multi-stage cluster sampling. The validity and reliability of the theory based scale evaluated before conducting the path analysis. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS16 and LISREL8.8. The results indicated the model explained 77% and 17% of intention and behavior variance. Subjective norms (Beta=0.83) and intention (Beta=0.37) were the strongest predictors of intention and behavior, respectively. The instrumental and affective attitude had no significant path to intention and behavior. The direct relation of perceived behavioral control to behavior was non-significant. This research demonstrated relative importance and relationships of Theory of Planned Behavior constructs in physical activity behavior of military personnel’s spouses in Tehran. It is essential to consider these determinants in designing of educational interventions for promoting and maintaining physical activity behavior in this target group.

Factors predicting the physical activity behavior of female adolescents: a test of the health promotion model.

ObjectivesPhysical activity behavior begins to decline during adolescence and continues to decrease throughout young adulthood. This study aims to explain factors that influence physical activity behavior in a sample of female adolescents using a health promotion model framework.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was used to explore physical activity behavior among a sample of female adolescents. Participants completed measures of physical activity, perceived self-efficacy, self-esteem, social support, perceived barriers, and perceived affect. Interactions among the variables were examined using path analysis within a covariance modeling framework.ResultsThe final model accounted for an R2 value of 0.52 for physical activity and offered a good model-data fit. The results indicated that physical activity was predicted by self-esteem (β=0.46, p<0.001), perceived self-efficacy (β=0.40, p<0.001), social support (β=0.24, p<0.001), perceived barriers (β=-0.19, p<0.001), and perceived affect (β=0.17, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe findings of this study showed that the health promotion model was useful to predict physical activity behavior among the Iranian female adolescents. Information related to the predictors of physical activity behavior will help researchers plan more tailored culturally relevant health promotion interventions for this population.

Self-Silencing as a Predictor of Physical Activity Behavior

Self-silencing theory suggests that women ignore their own feelings and needs to attend to the desires of others. However, the impact of such self-silencing on physical activity behavior is unknown. This study examined the degree of self-silencing among a group of highly educated and relatively affluent African American women and the strength of self-silencing as a predictor of physical activity. The mean total self-silencing score for participants was 71.46. Overall, women reported spending approximately 193 min per week engaged in physical activity but only 36% met current recommendations for aerobic physical activity. Self-silencing did not predict physical activity behavior.

Perceived Environmental Physical Activity Correlates Among Asian Pacific Islander Americans

Little is known about correlates of physical activity of Asian and Asian-Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI). Knowledge of these correlates could be useful in promoting physical activity. to identify demographic and environmental correlates of physical activity among AAPI. Participants resided in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, and completed a 52-item telephone administered questionnaire that assessed physical activity behavior, environmental supports for physical activity and demographic factors. Environmental factors included the presence of neighborhood sidewalks, park availability, and nearby grocery stores were combined to create the variable "environmental physical activity supports" (EPAS). Neighborhood crime, pleasantness of the neighborhood for walking, and the presence of loose dogs combined to form "neighborhood safety." Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of physical activity. Potential predictors included age, gender, BMI, employment, educational attainment, neighborhood safety, and EPAS. 263 respondents completed the survey. With the exception of living near a grocery store, respondents reported residing in neighborhoods that are generally supportive of physical activity. However, EPAS was the sole significant predictor of physical activity behavior (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.06-2.17). Age and educational attainment unexpectedly failed to predict physical activity. Supportive physical activity environments associate with physical activity behavior among AAPI.

Love Hurts: The Influence of Social Relations on Exercise Self-Efficacy for Older Adults with Osteoarthritis

Exercise self-efficacy is a powerful predictor of physical activity behavior, which enhances health and well-being for older adults. Social relations have been proposed as influential precursors for exercise self-efficacy. In a longitudinal study of 160 older adults with osteoarthritis (76.9% women), the authors found that social support (but not social strain) significantly predicted exercise self-efficacy in a structural equation model examining cross-sectional data: chi(2) (178, N = 160) = 264.57, p < .01; RMSEA = .06; CFI = .92; TLI = .90. When data were examined longitudinally, however, social strain (but not social support) significantly predicted lower exercise self-efficacy 1 year later: Xi(2) (233, N = 160) = 288.64, p < .01; RMSEA = .04; CFI = .96; TLI = .95. Results support the negativity effect, suggesting that social strain might be the more potent aspect of social relations and should be the target of interventions.

Greenway Accessibility and Physical-Activity Behavior

Public health initiatives have made important but relatively modest gains through individual-level and nonecological health-promotion efforts aimed at increasing physical activity. The previously overlooked built environment is now being considered as facilitating or hindering one's ability to be active. The multiuse greenway is an example of a facility that can support physical activity, but its level of use may be influenced by the accessibility characteristics of the areas surrounding the greenway. In this study, an unobtrusive methodology using GPS and GIS technology was employed to test whether two variables used to measure accessibility, proximity (population density) and opportunities (land-use mixture), predicted the use of greenway segments. The results presented here allow us to confirm that smaller walking and bicycling scales of analysis are better predictors of physical-activity behavior. The results also suggest that solely bringing environmental support for physical activity closer to concentrated areas of population does not necessarily equate to more use. It is important that areas with increased population density have correspondingly increased levels of land-use mixture if increasing physical activity is the goal.